Choose Wisely

I am used to having the providing side of being a man because I always had a job and good ones too. My resume is stacked with great and interesting positions. So then I only worried about having the rest of the traits of being a so called good man. I.e. being kind, loving at all times, fixing a car, or even getting the mouse in the house. Lol At this current point in my life I acquired what I was scared I would never have, in order to be the so called good man. "I'm nice but I'll never be that nice." On the contrary, I was recently told I have everything except stability in my life where my finances work for me. And I agree but it still hurts because I'm not working right now not because I said "forget it" or I'm a lazy black man. I'm not working because I was laid off. I'm not working because one of the toughest injuries of my life came back and my job could not be flexible with me. I have never been in a position to not work except for attending North Carolina A&T State University. I may have struggled and didn't have extra money often but I have always worked. I find a good feeling in being self-motivated to work but it's been hard dealing with not doing what I always do, especially when it wasn't by choice. I did not make this current position a choice but I still have choices and decisions to make. As I move forward, I will choose wisely.

I am deacon at my church and a recording artist. I made those choices. I was chosen and I accepted. Physically, my pain hurts so bad when I breathe it hurts me more. And don't ask me to take a deep breath!! Lol "ooookk!! "Standing, sitting, laying down, rhyming, guitar playing, or even writing this on my blackberry...it hurts. Even added stress will make me cry like a baby. Yes I receive unemployment and EBT...both is a first time in my life but I still have a choice. My music ministry means the world to me because I realize God has given me the power to help people inside and outside of music. So I still have a choice. My church ministry is even more important to me; therefore, I choose to be in service as much as I can. It's a choice. And I live with the outcome. The outcome has been very fruitful.

Now I have made another choice. I will live with this pain as long as I have to if that is in Gods will. I will do what is best emotionally, spiritually, and physically.

I am healed.

My mind is at peace.

My mind is strong.

I accept my struggle in order to receive and live in my greatness.

Men you have choices. You may have made tough choices before but that is expected. If you are preparing yourself correctly your choices will not be ill advised or out of emotion or out of anger or out of ignorance. Choices are to be made wisely. Men I ask when we are living our daily lives we make the right choices as we are lead by the spirit of God. Consider what is right and not what feels good. Consider what is right not what you'll receive from it. Consider what is right because your word is your bond. Consider what is right because God made you the man and the head of the house. Men we should be tired of making decisions in our own will when we know we are not truly happy or living up to the title that was given to us by God. I know we will make mistakes and no man is perfect but choose your actions, reactions, and your words very wisely.

Until next time gentlemen...

Peace and Love.

boys to Men

"1Co 13:11 When I was a child, I spake as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child: but when I became a man, I put away childish things."

I am Jastin Artis, first time blogger. I am a Christian Recording Artist in Wilmington, NC. As my first blog I just want to take time to enlighten you, the man, of what this blog will be about and praying it elevates you. As an artist, I am the bridge from where you are to where you want to be and I intend to do the same through this blog but directed for men; specifically the younger generation.

Please, take in consideration I am no expert in what is a perfect man, however, I feel strongly about elevating a man and how to be better; not only for ourselves but for the ones we love. Men the scripture above states "when I was a child"; I'm sure most of you reading this are no longer a child, right? So I cannot help but ask why do we still act, live, speak, and dress as a child? Even as a Hip-Hop Renaissance artist my love in hip-hop is and always will be my first love, although, I have realized years ago hip-hop is knocking on the door to the age of 30 like the police. There is no way to run from that but we still are acting as if we were in the 80's or early 90's when everything was about fun and being the best at what you did but with respect. I'm not saying not to explore fun or not have fun at all but when will we act our age? When will hip-hop become that big brother Jay-Z is to Kanye?

Thus, my conclusion; men stop living like you still live with moms and she dresses you, cooks for you, and gives you lunch money. Even if you do live with moms, be accountable for your actions, be assertive, and be a doer!!! Be A Man, Elevated.

Until next week gentlemen,

Peace and Love.